Green Bay Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Kirk Cousins Upset the Packers?
Green Bay Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Kirk Cousins Upset the Packers?
The Green Bay Packers will come into the season with high expectations yet again. They have the back-to-back MVP in Aaron Rodgers, but there are questions surrounding his receivers after Devante Adams took his talents to Las Vegas. The Packers' veteran receivers are expected to step up and there will be a point of emphasis on them. Fortunately, they have the back-to-back MVP there to set them up for success.
Packers vs. Vikings Start Time, Where to Watch, and Odds
Date: September 11, 2022
Game time: 4:25 p.m. ET
Where to watch: FOX
Click here for Packers vs. Vikings odds
Green Bay Packers vs Minnesota Vikings Prediction
Even if the Packers don’t finish 13-4 or better like they did last season, they’re expected to win at least 11 games. A big drop-off isn’t expected, which puts this game in the hands of the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings' offensive star power of Dalvin Cook and Justin Jefferson will have to carry a big load, because the drop-off from Rodgers to Kirk Cousins is quite large, especially considering the fact that Cousins’ offensive line isn’t the most solid.
The Vikings are easily the second-best team in the NFC North, and they won’t let the Packers have this game easy, but even with a drop-off, I’m taking the Packers against the spread at -2.5.
I don’t think they’ll closely cover the spread, it’s more likely the Packers win by a touchdown or more.
Looking at the numbers, the Packers are 5-1 against the spread in their last 6 games played in September.
To me, all signs point toward the Packers covering the spread this game, and with Aaron Rodgers and the Packers ability to start the season solid, it feels like an easy pick.
Back to Cousins’ offensive line. Sure, Jefferson and Cook are insanely talented, but Cousins under pressure may not have the time to get Jefferson the ball to make explosive plays, and Cook may have a hard time finding good gaps as well.
Not to mention, Jefferson will be defended by Jaire Alexander, one of the toughest cornerbacks in the NFL.
I’m sure Kevin O’Connell would love to begin his career with the Vikings off with a win against their division rival, but Matt LaFleur has been an excellent coach in his three years with the Vikings.
Looking at nearly every aspect of this game, it seems as if the Packers most of the advantages.
Green Bay Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings Pick
- Packers -2.5 (+105) (Bet $100 to win $105)
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